Historic downtown and pedestrian plaza

Old Town Square & Historic Downtown

About 0.5 mi from the Howes trolley stop

Continue the Birney trolley trip into Fort Collins' walkable historic center for the pedestrian square, restored architecture, enhanced alleys, public art, local shops, food, and seasonal events.

The place

About Old Town Square & Historic Downtown

Old Town Square is the pedestrian heart of downtown Fort Collins. The surrounding historic core contains more than 20 restored buildings within national and local historic districts, with shops, restaurants, museums, public art, and gathering spaces compressed into a walkable area.

The plaza was first built in 1985 and reworked in 2015 with a performance stage, flexible event space, seating, and interactive elements. Enhanced alleys connect the square with murals, patios, small businesses, and additional downtown blocks.

This is not a single ticketed attraction with one set of hours. The public square can anchor a self-guided walk, while shops, museums, tours, restaurants, concerts, and festivals each keep their own schedules and admission rules.

Visit Fort Collins operates a visitor information center at 7 Old Town Square. Use it for current maps and local guidance, and consult the Downtown Development Authority's live parking information before relying on an older rate or event-day assumption.

What stands out

Use the square as a walkable base

Start at the visitor center, then choose a compact loop through Linden Street, Mountain Avenue, the historic storefronts, and enhanced alleys.

Read the streetscape

More than 20 restored historic buildings and the district's broad streets connect directly to the trolley-era city story.

Explore alleys and public art

Murals, lighting, patios, small shops, and pedestrian links make the alleys part of the visit rather than service corridors.

Check the live downtown calendar

Free concerts, art walks, festivals, and plaza programs can improve a visit but also change crowds, parking, and access.

Pair it with the train

Why it belongs in a Fort Collins Municipal Railway trip

The trolley's Howes Street stop is roughly half a mile from Old Town Square. Build in walking time, explore the district on foot, and return to Howes before the final westbound run when your car is parked at City Park.

Before you go

Plan your visit

  • Trolley connectionAbout a half-mile walk east from the Howes Street stop; check the last return before lingering
  • Visitor helpVisit Fort Collins visitor information center at 7 Old Town Square, Suite 100
  • AdmissionNo district admission; individual tours, museums, performances, meals, and events may charge separately
  • HoursThe district has no single operating schedule; verify each business, museum, tour, or event
  • Time blockAllow 1-3 hours for a focused square, alley, shopping, and meal loop; longer with museums or an event
  • ParkingCity structures and lots have different limits and rates; all city lots and structures publish accessible spaces
  • AccessibilityThe central square is pedestrian-oriented, but historic storefronts and event layouts vary; verify the exact destination
  • WeatherMuch of the experience is outdoors; heat, storms, snow, and event closures can change the best route

Return to the trolley guide

Add Fort Collins Municipal Railway

Check the exact 2026 operating date, weather, final departure, fare, stop, and boarding needs before building downtown time into the ride.

View the guide →

Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

How do I reach Old Town from the Fort Collins trolley?

Leave at the Howes Street stop and walk east roughly half a mile to Old Town Square. Allow enough time to return before the final westbound trolley.

Does Old Town Square charge admission?

There is no district admission. Individual museums, tours, performances, restaurants, and special events may charge separately.

What are Old Town's hours?

The district has no single schedule. The square is a public gathering place, while every business, museum, tour, and event sets its own hours.

How much time should I allow?

Allow one to three hours for a focused square, alley, shopping, and food loop. Add more time for a museum, tour, concert, or festival.

Where can I get current visitor information?

Visit Fort Collins operates a visitor information center at 7 Old Town Square, Suite 100, with current maps and local guidance.

Where should I park?

If you start the trolley at City Park, leave the car there and track the return. If driving downtown separately, check the Downtown Development Authority's current lot, structure, rate, and restriction information.

Is Old Town accessible?

The central square is pedestrian-oriented and city parking facilities publish accessible spaces, but historic storefront entrances and event layouts vary. Confirm the specific venue or event.

Is Old Town part of the railway?

No. It is an independent downtown district connected to the railway by the Howes Street stop and a short walk.

Trust and accuracy

Sources

Source checked 2026-08-25. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.